£2 million Hexagon grant swiftly follows Council’s decision

The Hexagon theatre has been awarded £2.06 million by Arts Council England to carry out essential upgrades to ensure it is fit for the future.

The funding will deliver new seating and improved accessibility for people with mobility issues, alongside infrastructure works.

A programme of work will work with the project currently taking place to upgrade and decarbonise The Hexagon’s heating system, and the construction of the new Studio Theatre.

Substantial investment is needed to ensure the theatre continues to offer customers the best possible experience during their visit.

Arts Council England funding will enable the complete replacement of the ageing retractable seating system on the ground floor of the auditorium. More comfortable seating will be installed with better views of the stage and better provision for wheelchair users.

Elderly customers and those with restricted mobility will also be better catered for, with more handrails and stable fixtures installed to aid access around the venue.

The work will also include the replacement of around 60 internal and external fire doors and works to improve drainage

The project will protect The Hexagon’s operational viability as well as continue to meet the diverse needs of its audiences and maintain its position as a vital cultural centre for the region.

Previous Council arrangements

The Council recently agreed upon a recommendation for this eventuality, that grants spending approval for the £2m the bid provides, and delegates authority on the renovation to the executive director of economic growth and neighbourhood services, in consultation with the director of legal & governance, and the director of finance, all of whom will then enter into the necessary contracts to deliver the outcomes of the bid.

The Council also previously secured government funding for the development of the new Studio Theatre, which will provide an intimate 200-seat performance space ideal for comedy shows and live music and is due to open in spring 2027.

A Government grant is also allowing The Hexagon’s old inefficient gas boilers to be replaced with ground source heat pumps, using naturally occurring warm water from underground. 

Comments

Donna Pentelow, Reading Borough Council’s director of culture, leisure and skills said:

“The Hexagon will be celebrating its 50th anniversary next year but is showing its age in some areas.

“This £2.06m funding from Arts Council England will allow us to carry out essential upgrades which will benefit customers in many ways and see the much-loved venue continue to operate safely and smoothly for years to come.

“Customers will enjoy more comfortable seating with better views of the stage and people with restricted mobility will have a much-improved experience during their visit. The work will also enhance existing building infrastructure and improve existing operational issues.